A great way to begin a discussion about permutations is to read the
book, "Annos Mysterious Multiplying Jar". Ask the students to keep
track of the "items" as you read the story. Then, discuss when order
makes a difference. For example, there are three bedrooms that you
and your siblings will choose from, one that has everything, the
second with the basics, and the third is a paper box. Students see
the importance of order. Have students come up with their own
problems where order makes a difference. For example, being chosen
for a baseball team as opposed to the batting order of a team.